Brazilian club Fluminense unexpectedly announced the signing of Erling Haaland. In reality, the team’s website was hacked.

“We successfully signed Haaland after intense negotiations and great efforts from the management. Haaland’s arrival will be the foundation for a breakthrough in the season,” read a post on Fluminense’s website.

According to Brazilian news agency Ge Globo, Haaland’s team immediately contacted Fluminense to ask why such information was published. The Brazilian club eventually confirmed that their website had been hacked.

The announcement sent Fluminense fans into a frenzy on social media. Shortly after, an anonymous X (Twitter) account claimed responsibility for the prank.

The Rio de Janeiro-based club is currently facing difficulties, sitting in 17th place on the Brazilian league table. Fluminense boasts several renowned players such as Marcelo, Felipe Melo, Douglas Costa, and more recently, veteran defender Thiago Silva.

As for Haaland, he is expected to remain with Manchester City after this season. However, according to AS, the striker has identified Real Madrid as his next career destination.

“The dreams of players are split between playing for Premier League teams and Real Madrid. With Real, they seem to have magic in their play. The team has also won the Champions League many times,” said his lawyer and agent Pimenta to Marca last year.